Before we dive into the details, could you briefly introduce yourself?

I, Janete Rodas, live in Lisbon with my partner José and five-year-old daughter, Indah.

I was born in the Minho region of northern Portugal, where childhood days unfolded in the rhythms of rural life—picking vegetables from my grandmother’s garden, caring for farm animals, and gathering around the table for simple, home-cooked meals. These early moments instilled in me a deep appreciation for nature, tradition, and a slower pace of living. At the age of four, I moved with my family to the USA—a striking contrast to my pastoral beginnings. in New York City, I built a career in PR and communications, representing global brands and developing a sharp eye for storytelling and design.

Yet, Portugal was never far from my heart. In 2020, I returned to Portugal where my daughter was later born.

We would love to share a bit about you as a person with our customers. Would you like to tell us more about yourself? 

I am a storyteller by nature, a designer by instinct, and a traveler at heart. My family and I travel often, seeking out new perspectives through architecture, food, and culture. Our holidays tend to revolve around stargazing and discovery—we're currently on a two-month family journey through Japan, Mexico and Costa Rica.

My personal interests flow effortlessly into my professional and creative world: interior design, hospitality, pottery, yoga, and architecture are constant sources of inspiration. Work frequently brings my back to New York and to unique destinations across the globe, but for me, returning home to Portugal is always the greatest reward.

Portugal offers what I value most: a slower pace of life, a strong sense of community, and a culture that celebrates simplicity and soul. The food, the people, the coastline, the craftsmanship—there’s a quiet magic in it all. It’s this way of life that I lovingly channel into everything I create, including my thoughtfully restored retreat, Casa Stephanie.

When and in what way did this property come into your life and what motivated you to make it a part of your life?

Casa Stephanie was created as a modern refuge—one that honors the quiet beauty of rural Portugal while offering a sense of calm and comfort for those seeking a slower pace of life.

After years of living in fast-paced cities and navigating demanding careers, I longed for stillness. I wanted to build a space where time could stretch—where the day’s rhythm might be shaped by the sounds of distant cowbells, the sight of storks building their nest above the garden, or simply the joy of a warm pastry from the village bakery enjoyed with views of the mountains.

I discovered Aljezur in 2020—a coastal gem where rugged cliffs meet the Atlantic, and whitewashed cottages line quiet, winding roads. Drawn to its wild beauty and timeless charm, Janete envisioned a home that would reflect both her heritage and her modern sensibilities. Casa Stephanie is the result: a place that balances simplicity and soul, blending natural textures, thoughtful details, and a sense of calm that invites you to slow down and reconnect.

Can you tell us more about the process of renovating and furnishing your property?

More than just a retreat, Casa Stephanie was my way of reconnecting with my roots. I’m Portuguese, and returning home gave me the chance to work closely with local makers, artisans, and contractors—people who understand the land, the light, and the traditions of the region. This personal connection shaped every decision, from material choices to spatial flow.

On a personal level, what makes your property truly special for you? Any standout memories or moments that make it dear to your heart?

What makes Casa Stephanie truly special is not only the peace it offers, but the spirit and stories embedded in its walls. It’s a place shaped by people—by hands, heritage, and heart. Some of my most cherished memories in creating this home come from the time spent with the local artisans who helped bring it to life. From stepping into living rooms in the southern Algarve, where grandmothers and grandfathers still weave baskets by hand, to visiting tile factories where the centuries-old art of azulejo is alive and thriving—these moments were deeply moving. Sitting beside them, watching as they created with care and intention, reminded me of the quiet beauty of tradition.

Many of the elements in Casa Stephanie carry those stories. Each piece holds a memory—of a conversation, a studio visit, a shared coffee, or a walk through a workshop filled with light and dust and history.

For me, these connections are what make the house so dear. It’s more than a place to stay—it’s a celebration of Portuguese craftsmanship and the people who keep it alive. Their artistry, their warmth, and their quiet dedication are present in every corner, making Casa Stephanie feel not just beautiful, but meaningful.

How would you describe the atmosphere and interior of your property?

Janete created a space that feels deeply local, yet refined—a blend of traditional soul and minimalist sensibility. The house features a signature palette of soft whites and rich blues, rustic loomed textiles, and touches of vernacular craft throughout. Many elements were reclaimed or reimagined, including a bamboo-framed sofa with tufted upholstery and a round wooden dining table that now anchors the heart of the home.

Casa Stephanie is a home where simplicity is celebrated—where design doesn’t distract, but supports a way of living that’s grounded, slow, and full of small, beautiful moments.

Which part of your property do you love the most, and why?

The part of Casa Stephanie I love most is the outdoor area. It’s where so much of the soul of the house comes to life—where moments are shared, memories are made, and time seems to slow.

One evening in particular stands out. We gathered with close friends and neighbors around the long table outside, the air warm, the light soft. We grilled fresh fish caught that morning, poured local wine, and let the night unfold naturally. The children played barefoot in the garden, their laughter echoing in the background, while overhead the stars stretched endlessly above us. There was music, joy, and that rare kind of feeling where everyone is fully present—content, connected, and at ease.

It’s in these simple, generous moments—under the open sky, with good food, good company, and nowhere else to be—that Casa Stephanie feels its most alive.

That’s what I love most about it That kind of moment feels rare. And yet, at Casa Stephanie, it happens often with all our guests.

What makes the location where your accommodation is located unique and special?

What makes Casa Stephanie truly special is the feeling it gives you the moment you arrive—a deep exhale. It’s a place where life slows down almost instantly. The landscape does most of the work: the wide-open skies, the rustle of eucalyptus trees, the hush of the hills at dusk. There’s a quiet magic in waking up to soft light pouring in through the windows, drinking coffee with bare feet on cool tiles, and watching storks return to their nest just above the garden wall.

For me, the house is full of small, intimate rituals: hanging laundry to dry in the breeze, picking up pastries from the local bakery, sharing long, lazy lunches in the shade of the terrace, and watching our daughter run barefoot in the garden. There’s nothing extravagant—just a beautiful simplicity that fills your days with meaning.

It’s this blend of natural beauty, thoughtful design, and quiet presence that makes the house feel alive. It’s not just a place to stay—it’s a place to feel, to reconnect, and to remember what matters.

Are there any sustainable or eco-friendly applications associated with your property that you are proud of?

Sustainability at Casa Stephanie is woven into the philosophy of how we created the space—quietly, intentionally, and with respect for what already exists.

One of the things I’m most proud of is how much of the furniture and decor has been given a second life. Many of the pieces throughout the home have been thrifted, reclaimed, or salvaged—each with its own history, now layered into the evolving story of the house. From vintage side tables to reupholstered bamboo sofas, we’ve worked with what’s already out there, choosing character and craftsmanship over convenience.

There’s something beautiful in that process—bringing these objects into a new setting where they can continue to be used, loved, and lived with by every guest who passes through. It’s our way of honoring the past while being mindful of the future, and embracing a slower, more considered approach to design and hospitality.

What motivated or inspired you to rent your property to guests? 

Renting Casa Stephanie to guests felt like a natural extension of what the house represents. It’s a space created to pause—to step away from the noise of everyday life and reconnect with something slower, simpler, and more grounded. After years of living in fast-paced cities, I know how vital it is to find places that allow you to truly rest and just be.

Sharing this home is also about sharing the story of Portugal—through its textures, its materials, its traditions, and its landscapes. Every detail in the house, from the handmade tiles to the woven textiles, carries a part of that story. But it’s not just about what’s inside—it’s also about giving people access to the beauty of this region. The untouched beaches, the winding coastal roads, the sense of stillness that’s harder to find these days.

What inspires me most is the idea that guests leave feeling a little more connected—to nature, to culture, and to themselves. Casa Stephanie is an invitation to slow down and fall in love with Portugal in a quiet, honest, and deeply personal way.

Can you paint a vivid picture of the overall experience someone can expect when staying at your property?

Staying at Casa Stephanie feels like taking a deep breath.

From the moment you arrive, there’s a sense that time begins to soften. Mornings start slowly, with the soft rustle of trees, the distant sound of cowbells, and golden light pouring through the windows. You might take your coffee out to the garden, watching storks glide overhead as the mountains glow in the distance.

Days unfold gently—perhaps with a walk along the cliffs or a swim at an unspoiled beach nearby. Maybe you’ll take a pottery workshop in a local studio, or simply pick up pastries from the village bakery and return home to read in the sun. If you’re feeling adventurous, you might try surfing, horseback riding, or having fresh fish delivered straight to your door by a local fisherman.

The interiors invite calm: reclaimed furniture with character and history, handmade textiles, natural tones, and light that shifts beautifully from room to room. Every detail is designed to support stillness, comfort, and ease.

Evenings are best spent outdoors— al fresco showers and dinner, sharing a bottle of wine with friends, or watching your children play freely in the garden as the stars slowly fill the sky.

The experience is simple but full. A stay at Casa Stephanie is about slowing down, feeling connected—to nature, to local culture, and to yourself.

In what ways does your property stand out from others? What unique features or characteristics make it a one-of-a-kind experience for guests?

What sets Casa Stephanie apart is its soul. It’s not just a place to stay—it’s a deeply personal home, shaped by intention, heritage, and a love for quiet, meaningful living.

And then, of course, there’s the setting. Casa Stephanie is nestled in the hills of Aljezur, where wild beaches, dramatic coastlines, and stork-filled skies stretch for miles. The outdoor space is where everything comes together—long lunches under the sun, nights filled with wine and conversation, children laughing barefoot in the garden, and stars so bright they stop you in your tracks.

Can you share the best compliment you've received from a guest?

We’ve been fortunate enough to welcome guests from all over the world in a short amount of time, and every stay brings its own beautiful energy. But there are a few moments that have truly stayed with me.

One of the most touching compliments came from a young couple who had just started dating. They told us that Casa Stephanie became the place where they truly connected—where they fell in love. They shared long conversations under the stars, talked about their dreams, and began to imagine a future together. Knowing that this home played a small part in the beginning of their story is incredibly meaningful to us. It’s a memory they carry with them, and one that brings us so much joy.

Another guest—this time a family—told us that during their stay, it felt as if time had completely slowed down. That the outside world fell away, and they were able to simply be together, in the moment, with no distractions. That’s exactly what we hoped Casa Stephanie would offer: a pause, a breath, a feeling of presence.

It’s in these quiet, personal experiences that we find the real reward of sharing this space.

What do you hope guests will take away or remember most from their stay in your accommodation?

What I hope guests take away from their time at Casa Stephanie is a sense of stillness—of having truly slowed down, even if just for a few days.

I want them to remember the feeling of waking up to soft morning light and the sound of distant cowbells, of sharing a meal outdoors as the sun sets behind the mountains, of watching the storks glide above the garden, and of doing nothing at all, without needing to explain why. I hope they leave with a deeper appreciation for simplicity, for craftsmanship, and for the quiet beauty that surrounds us when we pause long enough to notice it.

More than anything, I want them to feel a connection—to the land, to the culture of Portugal, to the stories told through each handmade tile and reclaimed piece of furniture. And perhaps, most meaningfully, to themselves.

Casa Stephanie is meant to be a gentle reminder that life doesn’t have to move so fast—and that joy can be found in the smallest, most honest moments.

Do you have any recommendations for guests to fully enjoy their holiday? 

We love sharing the hidden gems and local experiences that make this region so special. At Casa Stephanie, we provide each guest with a thoughtfully curated guide of some of our favorite places, experiences, and hidden gems—whether you’re looking to unwind, explore, or enjoy meaningful time with loved ones.

From surfing and sailing to hiking and horse riding, the area is a playground for nature lovers. We also recommend immersing yourself in the rich local culture—through wellness and yoga sessions, traditional basket weaving and pottery workshops, or even a hands-on cooking class using regional ingredients.

One of our favorite touches is working with a local fisherman who can deliver the daily catch straight to your doorstep—perfect for a sunset meal enjoyed al fresco.

Eat & Drink

Discover some of our go-to spots for delicious local food, great coffee, and relaxed atmospheres. Explore the Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/NFK24vUhyyq2era6A